Chart Hills - Discuss

[Scottt]

http://www.modsquadgolf.com/index.php/topic,11732.msg192407/topicseen.html#new

[Stu-Pid]

Nice review as always Scott.

I've never played Chart Hills despite it being reasonably close to where I grew up and having played quite a few other courses in the area (it was always deemed 'too expensive' by the societies that I played with...).  I'll definitely have to arrange to have a game there soon as it looks like a course that I'd enjoy.

Quick question:  With that much sand, what was the quality of the bunkers actually like?

Oh, and isn't it a Nick Faldo design rather than Steve Smyer, or was it a case of Smyer doing the work and Faldo taking the credit?

[Scottt]

Yeah, Smyers did the work, Faldo signed it as the "name". Faldo actually is heavily involved in his designs these days, but at this time it was during his prime as a player and I'm guessing the over/under on site visits before and during construction by Faldo is 1 or 2!

I only hit it in one bunker (short right on 12). The sand was great, and looked well maintained and uniform in the others I looked at. The club has had to cut its grounds staff back from 15 to 6 in recent years, I am told, and in keeping with that they are starting to remove some bunkers to reduce the maintenance demands.

[Longshot]

I only hit it in one bunker (short right on 12). The sand was great, and looked well maintained and uniform in the others I looked at. The club has had to cut its grounds staff back from 15 to 6 in recent years, I am told, and in keeping with that they are starting to remove some bunkers to reduce the maintenance demands.

From what you say it sounds like the course has merits other than the bunkering so they should get away with it without ruining the course.

[Scottt]

If anything mate it will enhance the place.

If you look at the aerial, 2, 4, 5, 10, 14 and 16 all have obviously superfluous bunkers. In other areas there are 3-4 bunkers where 1 would suffice. I'd say they could get the bunker count under 100 without affecting the playability or strategy of any holes.

The land movement is that good that a few holes could be stripped back completely to let the land play more of a starring role. The only bunkers 10 really needs are maybe one on the inside of the dogleg and the one in the front of the green.

[theoracle66]

Yeah, Smyers did the work, Faldo signed it as the "name". Faldo actually is heavily involved in his designs these days, but at this time it was during his prime as a player and I'm guessing the over/under on site visits before and during construction by Faldo is 1 or 2!

I only hit it in one bunker (short right on 12). The sand was great, and looked well maintained and uniform in the others I looked at. The club has had to cut its grounds staff back from 15 to 6 in recent years, I am told, and in keeping with that they are starting to remove some bunkers to reduce the maintenance demands.

From what I heard, Faldo asked for his name to be removed - possibly because of these changes (not being 'approved').

If there was an issue, it seems to have been resolved, because his name still appears prominently and CH is in his portfolio.

[Tin Pot]

I meant to review it after the MSG St.Jude Classic at Chart Hills (3 attendees) but Im glad I didn't as yours would surely have upstaged it.

I was impressed after seeing some luke warm reviews, if you accept it for what it is as a well designed well maintained American style course you won't be disappointed.  The course, facilities and club house lend themselves well to society events and Id recommend it for any of the larger MSG events.
Not somewhere I'd want to play regularly though.

[Scottt]

TP:

I am inclined to agree. Once or twice a year, I think.

Though I know others say the same about The Addington, but I can't agree there.

One thing both courses insist on is that you remain aware, switched on and making decisions for 18 holes, which very few courses seem to do.

It's tiring, but satisfying.

[mattyarse]

If you look at the aerial, 2, 4, 5, 10, 14 and 16 all have obviously superfluous bunkers. In other areas there are 3-4 bunkers where 1 would suffice. I'd say they could get the bunker count under 100 without affecting the playability or strategy of any holes.

Someone should invite Dustin Johnson for a round.  He loves a superflous bunker

[Tin Pot]

Someone should invite Dustin Johnson for a round.  He loves a superflous bunker

Nice one!